MORGANTOWN — A strong defensive effort led the Morgantown High boys’ basketball team past Fairmont Senior, 58-47, on Dec. 30, during day two of the Morgantown Holiday Classic.

With the defending Class AAA state champion Mohigans (4-1) facing the defending Class AA state champion Polar Bears (5-2), MHS head coach Dave Tallman knew his team was up against a strong opponent. Prior to the game, he told his players that their defense was going to have to win the game, and it did.

“A lot of our guys are friends with their guys, so there is a lot mutual respect there,” Tallman said. “It was a big game. I thought [the Polar Bears] were one of the better teams in the state and our defense just took them out of everything they wanted to do.”

MHS senior Torin Hanson said Tallman pushed this attention to defense when he became head coach, three seasons ago.

“We weren’t as focused on defense until he really brought that culture to our program,” Hanson said. “Now we stay in line and get after it. He really brought that energy to our team.”

Nicky Solomon led the way for the Mohigans, recording a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Hanson also hit double digits with 17 points.

With the score 2-2, Hanson sunk a 3-pointer, giving the Mohigans a lead they held on to the remainder of the game.

MHS took a 15-10 lead after the first quarter and held Fairmont Senior to six points in the second to lead, 25-16, at the half.

“It was remarkable being able to hold a team like that to 16 points in the first half,” Hanson said. “It really set the tone for us. We just stayed together keeping tight on defense because we couldn’t get lazy or that is how a run would start.”

The Mohigans came out strong again in the second half and with a full team effort from the starting five and bench, continued to build momentum.

Although the Polar Bears had a few short runs, they were never able to extend them to pull ahead. Taevon Horton was their leading scorer, with 16 points, including two 3-pointers.

“It is great when you can trust your teammates,” Hanson said. “(Adam) Hill is a great player. He is going to be big time next season. Nate Phillips is great too and finally getting his chance this season. Deon (Agnew) stepped up big time too. Whenever they (Bears) were focusing on me and Nicky, he came up big and got some touches.”

Morgantown travels to Wheeling Park on Tuesday. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.